tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5780571106855955562017-08-14T08:44:02.544+02:00WUNDERLI WANDERINGSSimon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.comBlogger464125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-45197471839965049562017-08-14T08:44:00.000+02:002017-08-14T08:44:02.570+02:00Aussie UpdateI used to think that when we lived on the Equator time went super fast but it seems in the southern hemisphere it is no different.<br /><br />Some of you have been asking for an update on Simon's eye test the other week.&nbsp; Sorry it has taken me so long to post an update.&nbsp; He flew down to Brisbane and rented a car to drive to the clinic where he was to have the eye test.&nbsp; Unfortunately he didn't pass this test either.&nbsp; You may be wondering what does that mean for him and flying.&nbsp; At this point we are not sure.&nbsp; We are waiting to hear back from CASA and that could take some time.&nbsp; Meanwhile life continues and Simon started his next course.&nbsp; He will be taking a Indian lady through MAF's four week Standardisation course so that she can fly in our Northern Territory programme here in Australia.&nbsp; He will be doing the same with a South Sudanese man who, in time, will return to South Sudan to fly all going well.&nbsp; We might be in Australia but we continue to get to work cross culturally across more than just the Aussie culture.<br /><br />Last Thursday we said goodbye to Simon's two sisters and brother-in-law who were visiting us from Switzerland.&nbsp; It was fun to have them here and see parts of our neighbourhood that we haven't even seen yet.&nbsp; This included snorkelling and diving on the Great Barrier Reef.&nbsp; I am still amazed that we had the opportunity to do this even although it is on our door step. &nbsp; We also visited some wildlife parks.&nbsp; Normally we are on the lookout for lions, buffalo, leopards and elephants but this time it was crocs, koalas and different birds.<br /><br />On one of our road trips as we were about to cross a bridge we noticed a group of people standing looking into the water.&nbsp; Curiosity got the better of us so we stopped too only to find a very large crocodile on the opposite bank taking a snooze and a slightly smaller one in the water that would appear now and again.&nbsp; Some guys were tempting it with a chicken on the end of a stick however there were no bites that day.<br /><br />Below are some photos of our time together with family.&nbsp; It was a special visit and we look forward to the next time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wmd7_BedxOs/WZFC99684rI/AAAAAAAADDA/ZcOOvH-KqMYBqlTia9F1w-m8xQ6AoK2FQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wmd7_BedxOs/WZFC99684rI/AAAAAAAADDA/ZcOOvH-KqMYBqlTia9F1w-m8xQ6AoK2FQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2098.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Where are those turtles?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRGMU1Ronx8/WZFDPPngiOI/AAAAAAAADDM/GQ1hcsHCsZMUAH23ANIZCUwpPfAIQ1C2gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wRGMU1Ronx8/WZFDPPngiOI/AAAAAAAADDM/GQ1hcsHCsZMUAH23ANIZCUwpPfAIQ1C2gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2117.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Shall I try standing next?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gl7sSjMmbzA/WZFDbBi2dhI/AAAAAAAADDQ/B_qGrO3w0EM7MbQ0wQ81BsNi2GxgjB2ZwCLcBGAs/s1600/141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gl7sSjMmbzA/WZFDbBi2dhI/AAAAAAAADDQ/B_qGrO3w0EM7MbQ0wQ81BsNi2GxgjB2ZwCLcBGAs/s640/141.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Who can spot Nemo?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1GDoMd_sFPc/WZFDOrvwYNI/AAAAAAAADDI/EeFzpaSPeXA2xug0PMeNDOraBIkSdl18ACLcBGAs/s1600/147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1GDoMd_sFPc/WZFDOrvwYNI/AAAAAAAADDI/EeFzpaSPeXA2xug0PMeNDOraBIkSdl18ACLcBGAs/s640/147.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Monika and Therese with "Crush"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PWZ23SPzZxI/WZFDmJyvQFI/AAAAAAAADDU/krqlR8smyCYdwq4dhp2SzmJWAUfMKEQxQCLcBGAs/s1600/90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PWZ23SPzZxI/WZFDmJyvQFI/AAAAAAAADDU/krqlR8smyCYdwq4dhp2SzmJWAUfMKEQxQCLcBGAs/s640/90.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Chillin on the beach...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bNIgVXDXKs8/WZFDz_mkDBI/AAAAAAAADDY/N9RK62RKA8Ig5lfPt_a61eZGDDPUfyxLwCLcBGAs/s1600/89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bNIgVXDXKs8/WZFDz_mkDBI/AAAAAAAADDY/N9RK62RKA8Ig5lfPt_a61eZGDDPUfyxLwCLcBGAs/s640/89.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Monika went along as a passenger on Simon's instruction flight. &nbsp;Good practice for the student in passenger management :)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l2seGlebhyU/WZFD4yhXoyI/AAAAAAAADDc/y2PVKD0eGmwqjMqCOg5GABSLPjYCOjsBACLcBGAs/s1600/40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l2seGlebhyU/WZFD4yhXoyI/AAAAAAAADDc/y2PVKD0eGmwqjMqCOg5GABSLPjYCOjsBACLcBGAs/s640/40.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The girls just couldn't beat the boys! &nbsp;Dani took the checkered flag each time!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-31zs5gFcEXk/WZFEPYrF-BI/AAAAAAAADDg/4zMM72JvqCMwqNwKcfg-7xMG_0AWms5VwCLcBGAs/s1600/45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-31zs5gFcEXk/WZFEPYrF-BI/AAAAAAAADDg/4zMM72JvqCMwqNwKcfg-7xMG_0AWms5VwCLcBGAs/s640/45.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iWV34gL_kZI/WZFETchzgKI/AAAAAAAADDk/YZzCpoupXhg2645WgIzzlo28ou7dc3JZQCLcBGAs/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iWV34gL_kZI/WZFETchzgKI/AAAAAAAADDk/YZzCpoupXhg2645WgIzzlo28ou7dc3JZQCLcBGAs/s640/22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Joshua making friends with a black parrot who squacked non stop</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VpfdxnNS1yY/WZFEYz_lTGI/AAAAAAAADDo/ijgly1EN11c7EDg4tQ5DUO8rk6hZBMcwQCLcBGAs/s1600/64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VpfdxnNS1yY/WZFEYz_lTGI/AAAAAAAADDo/ijgly1EN11c7EDg4tQ5DUO8rk6hZBMcwQCLcBGAs/s640/64.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1854517664"></span><span id="goog_1854517665"></span>Zara and her furry koala friend Codi who just happened to pee right at that moment!</div>Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-70137644916895729032017-07-19T01:02:00.000+02:002017-07-19T01:02:00.911+02:00Colour Deficiency UpdateThanks to all of you who have been praying for Simon regarding his colour deficiency issue.&nbsp; As mentioned before he failed his colour test with CASA and has now been referred for another test in Brisbane on the 2nd August.&nbsp; Thankfully, CASA has not banned him from flying but have issued him with a restricted pilots license which enables him to continue in his training role with MAF <br /><br />We are praying that it all comes together and the issue can be sorted out.&nbsp; Another pilot that Simon works with has a similar colour deficiency and he is able to fly with no restrictions.&nbsp; Just need to work through the red tape on this one.<br /><br />Thankful&nbsp; for your prayers as we navigate the challenges of living in another culture.&nbsp; Life continues to keep us on our toes.Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-70535553224926046742017-07-04T23:36:00.001+02:002017-07-04T23:37:30.021+02:00Aussie Update<div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The last couple of months have continued to be a whirlwind for us.&nbsp; Between work, studying, school and training the days and weeks have just sped by. &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I &nbsp;have just returned from the airport this morning as Simon needs to fly down to Townsville for an eye test. &nbsp;We found out this week that the medical that was done in Kenya and the subsequent FAA waiver that Simon has for his colour deficiency has not been accepted by CASA (Aviation Authority in Australia). &nbsp;They have asked him to do a further test. &nbsp;He was on a early flight this morning and has an appointment at lunch time. &nbsp;To be honest we are not that hopeful of him passing this test as the testing is very similar to one he did in London a number of years ago which he failed. &nbsp;However, we can always pray for a miracle. &nbsp;I will keep you updated as to the results.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Arnhem Land</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">A few weeks ago Simon was up in Arnhem Land for a week getting checked out on the caravan.&nbsp; MAF serves aboriginal communities in this remote area of Australia through flights, outreaches and technology services. &nbsp;You can find out more by visiting their website http://www.maf-arnhemland.org/maf-arnhem-land/</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Simon enjoyed being back in the caravan again and the plan is for him to help out in this programme in between the standardisation courses that he will be teaching.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AvHzUjBqRrc/WVv_9E-6rwI/AAAAAAAADBw/PXlCieqOUNQrkllcjhBIs-tKA3ezH3uIwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Arnhem%2BLand%2Bmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AvHzUjBqRrc/WVv_9E-6rwI/AAAAAAAADBw/PXlCieqOUNQrkllcjhBIs-tKA3ezH3uIwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Arnhem%2BLand%2Bmap.jpg" width="397" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Simon flew from Cairns to Gove Airport in Nhulunbuy. &nbsp;Can you find it on the map? :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u8xk7IVLLqw/WVwA-OBl5OI/AAAAAAAADCU/uLcLSy6vd_cc5HOqPyVz2QHFozDq3qOlwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170608_083736.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u8xk7IVLLqw/WVwA-OBl5OI/AAAAAAAADCU/uLcLSy6vd_cc5HOqPyVz2QHFozDq3qOlwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170608_083736.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">MAF's hangar at Gove Airport in Arnhem Land</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTyOdlEteec/WVwBKXa9XkI/AAAAAAAADCc/hhQAweT36Hoj2xw6QB_9zmaTdHg-VVp-ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170608_102847.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTyOdlEteec/WVwBKXa9XkI/AAAAAAAADCc/hhQAweT36Hoj2xw6QB_9zmaTdHg-VVp-ACK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170608_102847.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">A view out the cockpit</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QduI0mCmRgE/WVwBVDZmLhI/AAAAAAAADCk/9UwZNizqZOIvCnxl0Jad2LVuheuF8VfEACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20170608_095814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QduI0mCmRgE/WVwBVDZmLhI/AAAAAAAADCk/9UwZNizqZOIvCnxl0Jad2LVuheuF8VfEACK4BGAYYCw/s640/20170608_095814.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been busy in the MAF office here in Cairns working in the HR department. &nbsp;The department serves Arnhem Land, PNG, Bangladesh, Timor Leste and Mynamar along with the needs of the support office in Cairns and the Flight Training Centre in Mareeba. &nbsp;Due to a shortage of staff the responsibilities have been shared far and wide in order to ensure that there is enough support for the programmes. &nbsp;Next week we will be having interviews for one of the vacancies. &nbsp;Pray for the right person to fill this slot.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Joshua and Zara are doing fine.. Their second term at school went well and are adjusting to the ways of doing things here in Australia. &nbsp; We just returned from a camping weekend with friends. &nbsp;We had a good time together and the kids were sorry to see the time come to an end. &nbsp;I will post photos at some point. &nbsp;They are still on holiday this week and have some fun things planned.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Thanks for keeping us in your prayers!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-9703632936536819902017-05-22T09:32:00.001+02:002017-05-22T09:32:22.338+02:00A new challengeAs many of you know I have been doing a Certification in Life Coaching to add to the qualifications I already have in Member Care. &nbsp;I have enjoyed the course and hope to complete it in one more month. I have been already looking at opportunities for me to use what I have been learning and had a few conversations over the last weeks.<br /><br />However, there has been some changes in the HR Dept here in MAF Australia. &nbsp;Due to this there is a need for more staff members. &nbsp;After an informal chat it became apparent that I could help in the interim and so discussions became more formal. &nbsp;After discussing job profiles, contracts and agreements I will start on Tuesday, 30th May as HR Officer. &nbsp;This will be for a time period of 6 months. &nbsp;I am looking forward to the challenge and know I will be kept very busy.<br /><br />The role is varied and many of the tasks will be new. &nbsp;However, I am thankful for the experiences I have had in MAF Uganda which will help me in this new role here in Australia. &nbsp;I look forward to joining the team here in Cairns.<br /><br />I would value your prayers as it will be a big change for us all but thankful to have the family behind me and do their part to make this work.Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-15449370157391182512017-05-02T02:46:00.001+02:002017-05-02T02:46:34.561+02:00Koala Moments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3UIBNiBWZLk/WQe8iGgUuKI/AAAAAAAADBY/B1NSfiW1lXs7fyFNShLvT1u7nMaQ80CRQCK4B/s1600/sleeping%2Bkoala.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3UIBNiBWZLk/WQe8iGgUuKI/AAAAAAAADBY/B1NSfiW1lXs7fyFNShLvT1u7nMaQ80CRQCK4B/s400/sleeping%2Bkoala.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">After living half of your life as an expat, and Australia being the fifth country you have lived in, it would be understandable if you sometimes feel like the koala in the picture above. &nbsp;</span>When cultural fatigue hits like a freight train, and it does, the only recoil is to sit on the proverbial branch and close your eyes for a bit.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This past year has been huge for our family in more ways than one.&nbsp; As we adjust to our new “home” we often just have to have “Koala” moments.&nbsp; A time to just be gentle on ourselves and</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <span lang="EN-AU">realise</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> it is going to take time to adjust to our new “normal”.&nbsp; There are many reminders during the day that show us that Australia is not yet home and it will take a while.&nbsp; We are the new round pegs trying to fit into a square hole and it just doesn’t work.&nbsp; However, there will come a time when the round peg and the square hole will accept each other’s differences and will live comfortably side by side.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cultural moments <o:p></o:p></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">On Saturday morning when I went to the servo (gas station, petrol station, filling station, or whatever else you might call it depending on your location and culture) and asked the man behind the counter for some ice for our esky (cooler box, chilly bin).&nbsp; He looked at me and said I don’t understand.&nbsp; I, of course, repeated it multiple times and still had the deer in the headlight look.&nbsp; He asked the other customer “do you know what she is saying?” and he said “I have no idea”.&nbsp; Then thankfully understanding came and he said “oh, you want some ice”.&nbsp; Oh the relief, he got it.&nbsp; I wondered if I had spoken in Chinese for a split second and that is why he couldn’t understand me.&nbsp; Then to top it all when I was paying he said to me “are you local?”&nbsp; I said I live locally but I don’t have the accent.&nbsp; At which point he said I will give you locals rate then for your diesel.&nbsp; We laughed at the irony.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Another day whilst in the local supermarket I was checking out at the self-check-out.&nbsp; They have pictures on the display so it is usually easy to figure out what button to push for the vegetables and the fruit.&nbsp; However, on this day I had a</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> courgette</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> but I couldn’t find the right button to push and the pictures weren’t helping.&nbsp; It must be a zucchini then but no it wasn’t under “Z” either.&nbsp; Thankfully, there was a helpful lady who saw my dilemma as I stared at the screen for probably too long without pressing any buttons and she told me what it was.&nbsp; I think she said it was a marrow but can’t quite remember as she then proceeded to tell me what other vegetables are called that might not be so familiar in name.&nbsp; I now know why we used picture books for one year olds to teach them what things are. (haha)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">How to cut grass in Australia…..&nbsp; Now you would think cutting the grass would be simple.&nbsp; However, it takes time to figure out what patch of grass is yours and what part isn’t.&nbsp; We were noticing people cutting grass but then leaving parts of it at one end. &nbsp;Why would you do this?&nbsp; Until you</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> realise</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> you are only responsible for the grass up to the imaginary boundary line of your property.&nbsp; If there is still a couple of square</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> metres</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> of grass beyond that then you can leave it and it belongs to the</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt;"> neighbours</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">.&nbsp; I just found out recently that we haven’t been cutting our square metre on one side as I thought it belonged to the neighbor.&nbsp; However, they have gone beyond the call of duty in these last months and cut it for us and we have been doing a bit extra on the other side.&nbsp; Oh the things you learn.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The word “visa” gives a bit of a sinking feeling in the stomach when it is mentioned.&nbsp; In the last 20 years or so I have been on a visa that gave me refugee status, a student visa, a dependents pass visa and now one that is affectionately called, according to some people online, “the slave visa”.&nbsp; After all the craziness of the last months of trying to figure out visa issues the government is revamping the immigration system and the visa we are now on no longer exists.&nbsp; It has been replaced by a newer one.&nbsp; Thankfully, we will continue on the old 457 until it runs out in 4 years and hopefully, by then, we will have graduated onto a different one which will be more permanent.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There are many more stories that we could tell as we adjust to this country but this gives you a taster.&nbsp; To end I will give you a bit of a laugh and insight into some Aussie words that we have been hearing along the way:-<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Rellie’s – Relatives<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ripper – Great<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Servo – Petrol Station<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Thongs – Cheap rubber sandals<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Rash vest – swim shirt<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Togs - Swimsuit<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ute – Utility vehicle<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Rego – Vehicle Registration<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Arvo or Sarvo – Afternoon<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bikkie – Biscuit<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Brekkie – Breakfast<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Lollies -&nbsp; Sweets or candy<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">True Blue -&nbsp; honest and trustworthy<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Avos -&nbsp; Advocado<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">BYO – Bring your own<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Chook -&nbsp; Chicken<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Chrissie – Christmas<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Docket – Receipt<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Dux – Top of the class<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Reckon – Do you think so?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="DE-CH" style="font-size: 12pt;">Kindie – Kindergarten<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="DE-CH" style="font-size: 12pt;">Freshie – Freshwater Crocodile<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="DE-CH" style="font-size: 12pt;">Saltie – Saltwater crocodile<o:p></o:p></span></div>Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-53243658918185295462017-04-21T23:52:00.001+02:002017-04-21T23:52:45.361+02:00Having fun with friends<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ag1Pf_ZhgZY/WPp9Yy80UDI/AAAAAAAADBI/pGuZBxVECIUVYLVXWpfKzbgGLn4x9GMXwCK4B/s1600/DSCN2823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="562" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ag1Pf_ZhgZY/WPp9Yy80UDI/AAAAAAAADBI/pGuZBxVECIUVYLVXWpfKzbgGLn4x9GMXwCK4B/s640/DSCN2823.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpfFHfHfsSc/WPp7_8yxckI/AAAAAAAADAQ/upjA7Dj1LNo6s3Cmoec8fYE2fFK5tdlYACK4B/s1600/IMG_1978.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpfFHfHfsSc/WPp7_8yxckI/AAAAAAAADAQ/upjA7Dj1LNo6s3Cmoec8fYE2fFK5tdlYACK4B/s640/IMG_1978.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Lake Eacham, Crater Lake National Park with no stingers (jelly fish) or crocs.....bonus!!!</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V18W0UCsfWE/WPp8F2Lf3TI/AAAAAAAADAg/liqj0R6MfAUpZgurZ_KzO-WnwzMMKAWpwCK4B/s1600/IMG_1977.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V18W0UCsfWE/WPp8F2Lf3TI/AAAAAAAADAg/liqj0R6MfAUpZgurZ_KzO-WnwzMMKAWpwCK4B/s640/IMG_1977.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The boys</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGbeoJlMBu4/WPp8AY8XegI/AAAAAAAADAY/QR_wjsnIfNgZzjnprhncvGk_FHHz5GhDgCK4B/s1600/IMG_1992.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGbeoJlMBu4/WPp8AY8XegI/AAAAAAAADAY/QR_wjsnIfNgZzjnprhncvGk_FHHz5GhDgCK4B/s640/IMG_1992.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Our Princess enjoying the great outdoors</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-scHnQSUoJEM/WPp72tw-BJI/AAAAAAAADAA/8b_wQFg8DIUG8zgOaBdrO5cCF71DsANeQCK4B/s1600/IMG_1998a.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-scHnQSUoJEM/WPp72tw-BJI/AAAAAAAADAA/8b_wQFg8DIUG8zgOaBdrO5cCF71DsANeQCK4B/s640/IMG_1998a.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Joshua enjoying the antics of Benjamin and warming up again after a cool dip in the lake.</div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-scHnQSUoJEM/WPp72tw-BJI/AAAAAAAADAA/8b_wQFg8DIUG8zgOaBdrO5cCF71DsANeQCK4B/s1600/IMG_1998a.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WdFJCF2YfYc/WPp8vZBOxVI/AAAAAAAADA8/o3Mnq_qWfYMa0cBacJqAe4oQmj6gbxYNwCK4B/s1600/IMG_1989a.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WdFJCF2YfYc/WPp8vZBOxVI/AAAAAAAADA8/o3Mnq_qWfYMa0cBacJqAe4oQmj6gbxYNwCK4B/s640/IMG_1989a.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Zara taking a leap</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rpx0SxItdvo/WPp8GJfCk-I/AAAAAAAADAo/yBo5Df52AM02Vxmm5BdoQgJSQw1mWlrNgCK4B/s1600/IMG_2002.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rpx0SxItdvo/WPp8GJfCk-I/AAAAAAAADAo/yBo5Df52AM02Vxmm5BdoQgJSQw1mWlrNgCK4B/s640/IMG_2002.JPG" width="640" /></a>Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-85973895158487585512017-04-21T23:26:00.001+02:002017-04-21T23:26:30.428+02:00We have a flight instructor in the houseThis week Simon completed all requirements to fulfill his role as a Standardisation Flight Instructor and has now been helping to teach two of the students. &nbsp;These students, when they have successfully completed the course, will head out to serve in one of MAF's Programmes somewhere in the world.<br /><br />Continue to pray for Simon as he settles into this new role and all that that means. &nbsp;We look forward to what God has in store for him in this new job.<br /><br />Thanks again for all your prayers!!!!!<br /><br /><br />Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-48138206004187316242017-04-06T01:49:00.004+02:002017-04-06T01:49:54.902+02:00More exams and other thingsThanks to all of you who have been praying for Simon throughout these months of studying, tests, exams and practicals. &nbsp;These past two weeks he has been studying and doing training specifically related to his role as a Standardisation Flight Instructor. &nbsp;He has been working every hour he can before the examiner comes up from Brisbane next week. &nbsp;Pray for him to keep persevering and taking in all that he needs to in the remaining days. &nbsp;It is taking days and nights to make this work.<br /><br />Joshua and Zara are finished with school for the holidays. &nbsp;They are enjoying homework free days and time to do different things. &nbsp;We are hoping to go camping with friends at the end of next week and explore life outside of Cairns. &nbsp;Pray for a good time together, time to relax and celebrate Simon being finished.<br /><br />Thanks to all of you who pray for us, we appreciate it. &nbsp;Transition can be a challenge!<br /><br /><br />Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-4874553047368185832017-03-28T11:47:00.000+02:002017-03-28T11:51:22.203+02:00Cyclone DebbieFor the last few days we have been keeping an eye on the brewing cyclone out in the coral sea. &nbsp;We were told to buy water and other basics to be somewhat prepared in case it headed our way. Simon and I headed to our local supermarket on Friday night while the kids were at Youth Group. It was amazing to walk through some of the aisles and see empty shelves. &nbsp;If you wanted bread then you would have been disappointed as there wasn't any and bottle water was definitely in demand.<br /><div><br /></div><div>The cyclone ended up tracking south of us and so we have escaped the effects of the storm. &nbsp;Unfortunately those a bit further south are really suffering now that the storm has reached land. &nbsp;I am sure you will have seen the news reports as news comes in from the different areas.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for all those who were checking in on us. &nbsp;We are all fine although we are slowly dissolving into puddles with the intense heat and humidity. &nbsp;I am beginning to wonder what it feels like to be dry. It was almost 40 degrees in our house today and outside in the sun it felt hotter and then add in some significant humidity and you have quite the experience. &nbsp;However, I would take that over a cyclone any day.<br /><br />http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-28/bom-warning-cyclone-debbie-hours-from-hitting-north-queensland/8391174<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img alt="Image result for photos of cyclone debbie" src="https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/sites/sbs.com.au.nitv/files/styles/full/public/52aabe7f-f5cb-488c-b6eb-fba64f65adbc_1490578157.jpeg?itok=GUPDcYnq" /></div><div></div>Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-52672925855810823212017-03-23T06:27:00.003+02:002017-03-23T06:27:48.138+02:00Ups and DownsThis past week there was sickness in the Wunderli household. &nbsp;Joshua was laid out for a few days with a flu/cold bug that seems to be going around school. &nbsp;He was pretty miserable over the weekend and into the beginning of the week but was able to go back to school yesterday. &nbsp;He seemed to cope fine. &nbsp;It appears that Zara has the start of it but hopefully it won't be as bad as Joshua. &nbsp;Simon and I are hoping that we don't catch it at all.<div><br /></div><div>My love of dentists is not very high (nothing personal if you are a dentist and reading this) and so with having a couple of old fillings removed, running around getting x-rays done and then having to get one of my wisdom teeth out &nbsp;this morning I am now hoping for some breathing space from the dentist chair. |However, I &nbsp;have to say that my experience in Australia has been a good one and God was kind in that the dentist was actually from Scotland so there was a rapport right from the start.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am leaving the good news till last though. &nbsp;While I was in the dentist chair having my wisdom tooth plucked out Simon was sitting another exam. &nbsp;This time it was his flight instructor one and he passed. He has a practical to do at some point and then that should be it for a while. &nbsp;He was on a course all last week and now has assignments to complete. &nbsp;He is just over halfway through with a few more long days of studying ahead but there is light at the end of the tunnel.</div><div><br /></div><div>We give thanks to all of you who continue to cover us in prayer. &nbsp;As we have said before it has been quite the rollercoaster ride before we came to Australia and since we have been here. &nbsp;However God has been faithful and so we take each day as it comes. &nbsp;The verse below sums it up well.</div><div><br /></div><div><i><u>Philippians 4:13 Amplified Bible (AMP)</u></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>I can do all things (which He has called me to do) through Him who strengthens and empowers me (to fulfill His purpose - I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace)</i></div>Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-11129894195550187132017-03-15T05:58:00.001+02:002017-03-15T05:58:14.920+02:00Sunday afternoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What do you do on a Sunday afternoon when you are tired of unpacking boxes and organising? &nbsp;Well you take to the beach and try your hand at fishing. &nbsp;I think the fish knew we were amateurs so stayed clear but one day we will get a bite on our line.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--KKb2yZ7Axw/WMi6nF99leI/AAAAAAAAC_c/JwzlJAeIbeoY-EZ_x9IDjz2mPM9xg5lWACK4B/s1600/20170312_153642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--KKb2yZ7Axw/WMi6nF99leI/AAAAAAAAC_c/JwzlJAeIbeoY-EZ_x9IDjz2mPM9xg5lWACK4B/s640/20170312_153642.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely afternoon at Holloways Beach</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T3R0e7upNSI/WMi6nJKDOcI/AAAAAAAAC_k/LwiYrlvXicwzPHEtCT8kPFm4YcIhUBBPwCK4B/s1600/20170312_153654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T3R0e7upNSI/WMi6nJKDOcI/AAAAAAAAC_k/LwiYrlvXicwzPHEtCT8kPFm4YcIhUBBPwCK4B/s640/20170312_153654.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr5WWtFt2bA/WMi6hUP1xQI/AAAAAAAAC_U/0vmuElB7BVkE3Uu7b_fjEhZbf3E5NDFWwCK4B/s1600/20170312_163023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr5WWtFt2bA/WMi6hUP1xQI/AAAAAAAAC_U/0vmuElB7BVkE3Uu7b_fjEhZbf3E5NDFWwCK4B/s640/20170312_163023.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I catch a fish....no not this time!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zs9-rM2N3C0/WMi6fs-4hMI/AAAAAAAAC_M/LI4ThtBW9iQONthGOGjmIRK0wdi9ogJTQCK4B/s1600/20170312_163031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zs9-rM2N3C0/WMi6fs-4hMI/AAAAAAAAC_M/LI4ThtBW9iQONthGOGjmIRK0wdi9ogJTQCK4B/s640/20170312_163031.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Try try again.....</td></tr></tbody></table>Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-33553014167881921762017-03-15T05:51:00.001+02:002017-03-15T05:51:41.410+02:00We have a home not just a houseAfter packing up our home in Uganda almost 4 months ago we have finally received our belongings. Our house definitely feels more like home now and it didn't take Zara long to make her bedroom how she likes it.<br /><br />We did come across some things that were meant to stay in Uganda or be thrown out but the packers were very enthusiastic and we didn't catch them in time. &nbsp;However, it was only small things so "no dramas" as they say here.<br /><br />Thank to all of you who prayed that we would see our things on the other side of the world. &nbsp;So far we haven't found anything that was broken in transit or lost so that is amazing.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MfUQe87qH3I/WMi2in18JuI/AAAAAAAAC-I/DSlMzt6ON3g-2Z83-XwO6sFYW4n-FluNwCK4B/s1600/20170223_073109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MfUQe87qH3I/WMi2in18JuI/AAAAAAAAC-I/DSlMzt6ON3g-2Z83-XwO6sFYW4n-FluNwCK4B/s640/20170223_073109.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Our belongings really made it</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PpEdZWsn4_8/WMi2lt68HkI/AAAAAAAAC-g/LppAcwywqvcwNE1sChenMvvHyGRiTlqYgCK4B/s1600/20170223_084149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PpEdZWsn4_8/WMi2lt68HkI/AAAAAAAAC-g/LppAcwywqvcwNE1sChenMvvHyGRiTlqYgCK4B/s640/20170223_084149.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"></td></tr></tbody></table>The unwrapping begins</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crltwsbanIQ/WMi2k5OvsDI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/vlGUs9PqeKYA-hMwQOEZrM8dhrDiLBwpQCK4B/s1600/20170223_075111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crltwsbanIQ/WMi2k5OvsDI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/vlGUs9PqeKYA-hMwQOEZrM8dhrDiLBwpQCK4B/s640/20170223_075111.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now where to put everything???</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wn7Yvci-XWw/WMi2kS87ZEI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/QjEjGt3vVV4lbDwxvqI-F2E5LqSVd11YwCK4B/s1600/20170223_175458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wn7Yvci-XWw/WMi2kS87ZEI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/QjEjGt3vVV4lbDwxvqI-F2E5LqSVd11YwCK4B/s640/20170223_175458.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to put the shelves together...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GKobEIrARmw/WMi4COf-CQI/AAAAAAAAC-8/ODlDTQXbXBMkRbJKXMXOC1U-coi9SPByACK4B/s1600/20170223_073550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GKobEIrARmw/WMi4COf-CQI/AAAAAAAAC-8/ODlDTQXbXBMkRbJKXMXOC1U-coi9SPByACK4B/s640/20170223_073550.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">One happy girl...bear survived the trip!</div><br /><br /><br />Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-83461828677435902862017-02-22T12:03:00.001+02:002017-02-22T12:03:53.355+02:00HE PASSED!!!I dropped Simon off at the airport for his exam this morning at 8:30am. &nbsp;The exam was 40 questions and 3.5 hours long. &nbsp; After hours of study he came out the exam with a 90%. &nbsp;Lots of joy in our house tonight. &nbsp;Another hurdle cleared and off to face the next one. &nbsp;Thanks to those of you who keep praying for us. &nbsp;The last few months have been seriously crazy but we are learning to take one challenge at a time or trying to.<br /><br />Tomorrow morning our shipment arrives from Brisbane. &nbsp;It will be funny to have a sofa again to sit on, beds to sleep in, a dining room table to eat from, washing machine and all the other things we packed 4 months ago. &nbsp;Having said that I will miss my frequent trips to Tree Tops (Guesthouse where we first stayed on arriving in Australia) to do our laundry and have theological discussions over folding clothes or learning about someones experience of living in the bush in PNG. &nbsp;Might need to find some excuse to make a visit once in a while. &nbsp;J and Z are also going to miss swimming in the pool too!!!<br /><br />Joshua and Zara had their swimming gala today at school. &nbsp;Zara got first place in her two races and Joshua came second. &nbsp;Their house - "Crocs" won the gala so they were excited to share the news when they returned from school.<br /><br />We were also looking at moving house but this has not worked out. &nbsp;After various conversations with a property agent, migrant specialist, lawyer and others it looks like it will be better, for now, to stay where we are until we upgrade our visa status. &nbsp;That will take just under a year to process. &nbsp;We are still rejoicing in getting our 457 visa so the 187 will just need to wait for a bit.<br /><br />I will post some photos of our shipment when it arrives. &nbsp;Hopefully all in one piece. &nbsp;It is going to feel a lot like Christmas!!!!<br /><br />Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-24883860627697619342017-02-21T12:38:00.002+02:002017-02-21T12:38:56.289+02:00Thankful for a breakfast bar<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vi5IZzBnGvg/WKwUtbCjIlI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/BMD9pkBwCOYCNRCIHcrnpsRpCBiv-jG9gCK4B/s1600/20170208_200416.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vi5IZzBnGvg/WKwUtbCjIlI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/BMD9pkBwCOYCNRCIHcrnpsRpCBiv-jG9gCK4B/s640/20170208_200416.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We are thankful for this breakfast bar.&nbsp; This is a multi purpose unit.&nbsp; It is where the meals get made, the homework gets done and the flight planning happens for the following days flight.&nbsp; </div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtl4ZBRApHQ/WKwV5WUdEUI/AAAAAAAAC9s/X5Ne0XRsLQgwNoDAwtoY--kRnNnwuaCkQCK4B/s1600/20170217_174424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtGItUbHnCQ/WKwUu0Y7BBI/AAAAAAAAC9g/P1X6TrxeI1MNwLNMOSlKc9KUI1wLA5LWgCK4B/s1600/20170221_194726.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtGItUbHnCQ/WKwUu0Y7BBI/AAAAAAAAC9g/P1X6TrxeI1MNwLNMOSlKc9KUI1wLA5LWgCK4B/s640/20170221_194726.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Tomorrow (Wednesday 22nd) is Simon's next flight exam.&nbsp; We are praying that he passes the first time although he has been warned this is the most difficult of them all and that it is not unusual to fail the first time.&nbsp; Tomorrow we will know.<br /><br />Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-16602553632633598532017-02-14T08:49:00.002+02:002017-02-14T08:49:38.476+02:00Woohoo we have our visaAfter an interesting few months of gathering information for our visa application and trying to figure out the system a surprising miracle happened. &nbsp;Our visa application was finally applied for last week and yesterday we got an email and a phone call to say that it was already accepted. &nbsp;To say we were surprised was an understatement. &nbsp;We were told it could take anywhere from 8-12 weeks to be processed.<br /><br />This means that we now have a 4 year temporary permanent visa for living in Australia. &nbsp;We will need to apply for another visa so that it is more permanent but all in due time. &nbsp;Need to rejoice in making it this far first. &nbsp;(haha).<br /><br />Thanks to all of you who have been praying for us and asking how we are doing. &nbsp;Your prayers were answered and it is a huge relief to have jumped that hurdle.<br /><br />Now for the next one......Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-42167421519223933452017-02-10T04:47:00.005+02:002017-02-10T04:56:57.261+02:00Quick updateIt has been busy last few weeks with lots of comings and goings. &nbsp;Simon is finishing up his third week of his standardistion course with one more week to go. &nbsp;He has enjoyed all the flying and also getting to fly another aircraft. &nbsp;So lots to learn but thankful for his flying experience these last years in MAF Uganda.<br /><br />There are more courses for him to do as well as exams coming up so there is never a dull moment. &nbsp;I am sure he would value your prayers that we he would retain the information well and continue to adjust to the newness of everything.<br /><br />This week he and another pilot were supposed to flying into a specific airstrip only to find that there were termite hills on the runway. &nbsp;They returned to Mareeba and then drove to the airstrip where they knocked them all down and made the airstrip useable again. &nbsp;Not too far from his days in Africa. &nbsp;It was good for the other pilot who hasn't served in a programme before to see what could be coming his way. &nbsp;The joys of bush flying.<br /><br />Joshua and Zara are settling into school. &nbsp;They have made friends and adjusting to a new school culture and all that comes with it. &nbsp;They are enjoying the experience and come back positive at the end of each day which is a real answer to prayer. &nbsp;They always seem to have a lot of homework so takes a bit of time to get their head around that especially after enjoying all the long holidays recently.<br /><br />They are involved in a Youth Group on a Friday night and have a lot of fun there. &nbsp;There are usually between 80 and 100 kids so plenty of options for friends.<br /><br />My days are also not boring. &nbsp;(haha). &nbsp;Finding my role within MAF and outside MAF takes time but God has a plan so I am not worried. &nbsp;I have started studying again in the area of coaching. &nbsp;This will add to what what I was doing in Uganda with Member Care. &nbsp;It is an online course here in Australia so I can take it at my own pace which is helpful. &nbsp;We will see where this all leads to. &nbsp;I have also been having helpful conversations with different people as to the needs around so lots of things to process.<br /><br />Our shipment from Uganda with all our belongings is in Brisbane and so hopefully will head north soon. &nbsp;Friends of ours that were also leaving Uganda around the same time shared our container. Their belongings need to go onto New Zealand and ours needs to get to Cairns. &nbsp;It all takes time logistically to make everything happen. &nbsp;So we continue to play the waiting game.<br /><br />Some good news is that our visa application for a more permanent status went in this week. &nbsp;It should take around 8 weeks to process or longer depending on how it goes. &nbsp;Thankfully once our visitors visa runs out we will be put on a bridging visa so we won't have to leave the country and then come back in again. &nbsp;It has been quite the process but we are moving ahead one step at a time.<br /><br />Well that is just a wee glimpse into what we are up to right now. &nbsp;Thanks to all of you for your faithful commitment to pray for us. &nbsp;It is working and we appreciate it.Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-54817730291380177072017-01-25T07:41:00.000+02:002017-01-25T07:59:49.088+02:00It's time for schoolJoshua and Zara started their new school on Monday.&nbsp; So far they are enjoying the experience and making some friends.&nbsp; They seem to be taking all the newness in their stride as they figure out how it all works.&nbsp; Thanks to all of you who have been praying for them.&nbsp; God has been preparing the way and we are grateful.<br /><br />Yesterday Joshua came home with some Maths homework.&nbsp; I took one look at it and said if you have any questions then ask your Dad because I have no idea.&nbsp; Thankfully he didn't need much help at all and he taught me a thing or two. <br /><br />Zara is loving her drama class and art class.&nbsp; She had a lot of joy when she explained what they were doing.&nbsp; I wonder who she took the love of drama from....it sure wasn't me.&nbsp; (haha)&nbsp; She is also studying Japanese so we might have some fun with that.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-x87J_zGQo/WIg5slrbUNI/AAAAAAAAC84/H4d5GehaBaIPJBnqRvXAOu-Bt3Z6ni0UgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-x87J_zGQo/WIg5slrbUNI/AAAAAAAAC84/H4d5GehaBaIPJBnqRvXAOu-Bt3Z6ni0UgCLcB/s640/IMG_1946.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Zara is in her PE kit and Joshua in his "normal" uniform</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSGQ_n-69vg/WIg5vca6FUI/AAAAAAAAC88/hlsNefu6x0UvHpmjukpLoVnZvBOjq8YXgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FSGQ_n-69vg/WIg5vca6FUI/AAAAAAAAC88/hlsNefu6x0UvHpmjukpLoVnZvBOjq8YXgCLcB/s640/IMG_1948.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Zara in her "normal" uniform and Joshua in PE kit.&nbsp; The challenge is no sandals and they need to wear closed shoes.&nbsp; I wonder if its because we live in Jurassic Park (haha).&nbsp; Something these "African kids" will need to get used to. </div>Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-27494266792782211852017-01-19T00:50:00.001+02:002017-01-19T00:50:27.463+02:00"No Dramas", "Too Easy" and "No Worries"The phrases "No Dramas", "Too Easy" and "No Worries" are common sayings we hear on a regular basis down here in Queensland.&nbsp;&nbsp;After thanking someone for&nbsp;assistance for their help to&nbsp;buy shoes, or getting our car fixed, or needing help to find something in&nbsp;a shop the response is often one of the above phrases.&nbsp; <br /><br />I would love to say that our transition to Australia has been "No Dramas", "Too Easy" and "No Worries" but the reality when you cross continents to set up a new home in a new country it can be a challenge.&nbsp; I am not saying it has been all bad, not at all, just that it can be a challenge.<br /><br />This is the 5th country that Simon and I have lived in and although you can anticipate a lot of things you still need to walk through them and figure things out.&nbsp; When you move to another English speaking country you think that things will be familiar and similar but that is not always the case.&nbsp; Our time in America showed us that and so we were more prepared for it when we came to Australia.&nbsp; One nice thing is that until we open our mouth no one really knows we are not Australian (haha).&nbsp; The other week we were at a market wandering through all the stalls.&nbsp; Joshua turned to us and said isn't it nice to walk through and people don't harass you to buy things or call you mzungu (white foreigner).&nbsp; On the other hand the temperatures in Uganda were much more manageable than here in Cairns.&nbsp; Thankfully there is not a shortage of water as we regularly have two showers a day just to cool off.&nbsp; We are adjusting to that and other things like the Jurassic size bugs and beasties that we encounter along the way.&nbsp; I took the kids swimming at a different creek the other week.&nbsp; In the car park just at the entry way into the forest was a sign saying "watch out for the stinging trees".&nbsp; So if the bugs don't get you the trees will.&nbsp; It sure made me smile!&nbsp; It was another Jurassic Park moment.<br /><br />We had a good meeting with the Principal at Joshua and Zara's new school last week and are excited about this opportunity for them.&nbsp; They are looking forward to going to school and making new friends.&nbsp; Another blessing was that we found a house not far from school which means they can cycle there and back which gives them a bit of freedom.<br /><br />Simon is continuing to study for more exams which has been a test in patience and perseverance at times.&nbsp; He also has a busy two weeks coming up as he starts a course.&nbsp; Pray for a beneficial time for him and clarity of thought.<br /><br />We are currently still on a visitors visa which runs out in a month.&nbsp; The upgrade to the more permanent visa has been fraught with a few challenges.&nbsp; The visa company requires a bit more paperwork from us which we can only get from Switzerland.&nbsp; This all takes time. The process usually takes 10 weeks for the visa to be processed so the likelihood of us getting it before we have to leave the country will be nothing short of a miracle.&nbsp; However, God is still in the business of doing miracles so we will see what happens.&nbsp; Otherwise we fly off to some exotic island somewhere to reinstate the vistors visa (haha).<br /><br />God reminded me this week in John 14:27 that He has already given us His peace and so we need to walk in that.&nbsp; Even if there are&nbsp;"dramas and worries"&nbsp;blowing all around we can live at peace and trust God with it all, one step at a time.&nbsp; The problems come when we try and do it in our own strength.&nbsp; Thankful for this experience that makes us rely on Him more.<br /><br />Thanks to all of you who continue to intercede for us.&nbsp; We are grateful!<br /><br /><br />Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-85251929549121970722017-01-05T05:19:00.002+02:002017-01-05T05:30:37.210+02:00Happy New Year from "Jurassic Park"<div style="text-align: center;">Since arriving in Australia we have experienced so many things that it is difficult to put it all into words or even photos but below are a few photos to keep you going.<br /><br />We have some praises and prayer needs which are located to the right of this post.&nbsp; Thanks for interceding for us!!</div><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSDMeWqsAns/WG2zyGL6eyI/AAAAAAAAC7o/OsB-os2uZXwqxxYjPnkjxPIR9bWb6W6aQCLcB/s1600/20161231_210340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSDMeWqsAns/WG2zyGL6eyI/AAAAAAAAC7o/OsB-os2uZXwqxxYjPnkjxPIR9bWb6W6aQCLcB/s1600/20161231_210340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSDMeWqsAns/WG2zyGL6eyI/AAAAAAAAC7o/OsB-os2uZXwqxxYjPnkjxPIR9bWb6W6aQCLcB/s640/20161231_210340.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy New Year from Cairns Esplanade</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSDMeWqsAns/WG2zyGL6eyI/AAAAAAAAC7o/OsB-os2uZXwqxxYjPnkjxPIR9bWb6W6aQCLcB/s1600/20161231_210340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"></span></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSDMeWqsAns/WG2zyGL6eyI/AAAAAAAAC7o/OsB-os2uZXwqxxYjPnkjxPIR9bWb6W6aQCLcB/s1600/20161231_210340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZC6yD4MUKMA/WG2zy8FSErI/AAAAAAAAC7s/0pygGn2h2k4DEkpr9baGVq-U5rEhWqQDQCLcB/s1600/20161231_203447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZC6yD4MUKMA/WG2zy8FSErI/AAAAAAAAC7s/0pygGn2h2k4DEkpr9baGVq-U5rEhWqQDQCLcB/s640/20161231_203447.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our first New Year in Aussie and its 9pm and still 30+ degrees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_65fioW7sE/WG2zwlSS_XI/AAAAAAAAC7k/A03Kr00eu2wfoS5zPru_Gpa9fAbuBAwcACLcB/s1600/20161231_203313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6_65fioW7sE/WG2zwlSS_XI/AAAAAAAAC7k/A03Kr00eu2wfoS5zPru_Gpa9fAbuBAwcACLcB/s640/20161231_203313.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Managed to get Joshua out the water for a photo, Zara's priority was swimming.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbjBRpXXBFA/WG20He1pY8I/AAAAAAAAC7w/a3tRcQfiXTAWty9N74-nmvmi9myZsR2MwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbjBRpXXBFA/WG20He1pY8I/AAAAAAAAC7w/a3tRcQfiXTAWty9N74-nmvmi9myZsR2MwCLcB/s640/IMG_1908.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A view from one of the hills surrounding Cairns.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzAn96drJx0/WG2znfUdL0I/AAAAAAAAC7Y/vz8_3kJmRRs1rI3TMx5K4QRgjpkd9ZqmgCLcB/s1600/20161206_092828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzAn96drJx0/WG2znfUdL0I/AAAAAAAAC7Y/vz8_3kJmRRs1rI3TMx5K4QRgjpkd9ZqmgCLcB/s640/20161206_092828.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The view from Tree Tops Guesthouse where we stayed for a month.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5A56KF9lXM/WG20H564dSI/AAAAAAAAC74/3-pS0VP6sVELBuchUcPFsfbw8XUSyJJTQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5A56KF9lXM/WG20H564dSI/AAAAAAAAC74/3-pS0VP6sVELBuchUcPFsfbw8XUSyJJTQCLcB/s640/IMG_1910.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Lake Morris, a reservoir that feeds Cairns</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSyTJ5S7rZA/WG20eQWflFI/AAAAAAAAC8A/YQ2bqQbQi2Ua5eRMp4ZHc0kucAniBDC_wCLcB/s1600/IMG_1919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSyTJ5S7rZA/WG20eQWflFI/AAAAAAAAC8A/YQ2bqQbQi2Ua5eRMp4ZHc0kucAniBDC_wCLcB/s640/IMG_1919.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Joshua and Zara at Lake Morris, it was one hot day!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0Z6kmW5Un8/WG2zoMfAspI/AAAAAAAAC7g/r2WGlczpl8oa-zXkEyL0TffSXmq9032jwCLcB/s1600/20161206_121440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSDMeWqsAns/WG2zyGL6eyI/AAAAAAAAC7o/OsB-os2uZXwqxxYjPnkjxPIR9bWb6W6aQCLcB/s1600/20161231_210340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2XzSpU_85E/WG2zodFdxPI/AAAAAAAAC7c/RHycq1CjOSY3RQFlxLa49WL2z0nNQdZ9gCLcB/s1600/20161223_164332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2XzSpU_85E/WG2zodFdxPI/AAAAAAAAC7c/RHycq1CjOSY3RQFlxLa49WL2z0nNQdZ9gCLcB/s640/20161223_164332.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Zara enjoying the beach and the ocean.&nbsp; It is jelly fish season (stingers) and so only specific areas that are cordoned off are safe to swim in.&nbsp; These wee jellies and not so wee jellies&nbsp;are not to be messed with.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iTpOBZJ0tS0/WG20HjC3cFI/AAAAAAAAC70/4X9JW6Mg4igEmtkRkhE3Cw487yEl88UCQCLcB/s1600/20170104_150750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iTpOBZJ0tS0/WG20HjC3cFI/AAAAAAAAC70/4X9JW6Mg4igEmtkRkhE3Cw487yEl88UCQCLcB/s640/20170104_150750.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Zara feeding the turtles at a local campsite.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: center;">She wasn't impressed that the fish were eating most of the food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbjBRpXXBFA/WG20He1pY8I/AAAAAAAAC7w/a3tRcQfiXTAWty9N74-nmvmi9myZsR2MwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvRukK3hH84/WG20fwobIgI/AAAAAAAAC8E/lEdwpqkwDGQNqrhbgSHHvqxcjcr_ZhPygCLcB/s1600/IMG_1922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvRukK3hH84/WG20fwobIgI/AAAAAAAAC8E/lEdwpqkwDGQNqrhbgSHHvqxcjcr_ZhPygCLcB/s640/IMG_1922.JPG" width="358" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Visited a wildlife park and this feathery friend was at the entrance to welcome us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0Z6kmW5Un8/WG2zoMfAspI/AAAAAAAAC7g/r2WGlczpl8oa-zXkEyL0TffSXmq9032jwCLcB/s1600/20161206_121440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0Z6kmW5Un8/WG2zoMfAspI/AAAAAAAAC7g/r2WGlczpl8oa-zXkEyL0TffSXmq9032jwCLcB/s640/20161206_121440.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Watch out for the crocs and the stingers!!!&nbsp; Didn't I tell you that we now live in Jurassic Park (haha)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u4v-NWifxe4/WG20hZdeI1I/AAAAAAAAC8I/DJ8llkDt4087lNE892mNoABWCqpOMNKDACLcB/s1600/IMG_1925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u4v-NWifxe4/WG20hZdeI1I/AAAAAAAAC8I/DJ8llkDt4087lNE892mNoABWCqpOMNKDACLcB/s640/IMG_1925.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Don't want to get in a fight with this monster!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NX7R5UMo6aY/WG206Gz6o_I/AAAAAAAAC8Q/k7n_-OcvKcIm36qLl3J-SjPMe4gSUgl4ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NX7R5UMo6aY/WG206Gz6o_I/AAAAAAAAC8Q/k7n_-OcvKcIm36qLl3J-SjPMe4gSUgl4ACLcB/s640/IMG_1926.JPG" width="358" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Somebody has his beady eye on you.....</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rOfIO0nJ0qo/WG21Bg7OS-I/AAAAAAAAC8U/pVYUa0JsZxU_GZZqe1plNXssh3aftrPVACLcB/s1600/IMG_1928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rOfIO0nJ0qo/WG21Bg7OS-I/AAAAAAAAC8U/pVYUa0JsZxU_GZZqe1plNXssh3aftrPVACLcB/s640/IMG_1928.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is feeding time and chicken was on the menu</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1snolmeTAiM/WG21RC3HfkI/AAAAAAAAC8c/gUeEIDohTZwIlROr9e_Getlh9InycX_JACLcB/s1600/IMG_1932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1snolmeTAiM/WG21RC3HfkI/AAAAAAAAC8c/gUeEIDohTZwIlROr9e_Getlh9InycX_JACLcB/s640/IMG_1932.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Cassowary Bird.&nbsp; It is BIG!!!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_yjqy9iqBg/WG201WqXf8I/AAAAAAAAC8M/qqk-rlKd5xQ2yvfQvbuhBz9K2D2LBJk-QCLcB/s1600/IMG_1927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_yjqy9iqBg/WG201WqXf8I/AAAAAAAAC8M/qqk-rlKd5xQ2yvfQvbuhBz9K2D2LBJk-QCLcB/s640/IMG_1927.JPG" width="358" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;These little cuties only wake up long enough to eat and then they are a back to sleep again.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: center;">What a life!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23rnl4OPem4/WG21NwxVsMI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/lKrJIh9Y2FE7cnywlHkIiFxAXQfUGu08QCLcB/s1600/IMG_1935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23rnl4OPem4/WG21NwxVsMI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/lKrJIh9Y2FE7cnywlHkIiFxAXQfUGu08QCLcB/s640/IMG_1935.JPG" width="358" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzAn96drJx0/WG2znfUdL0I/AAAAAAAAC7Y/vz8_3kJmRRs1rI3TMx5K4QRgjpkd9ZqmgCLcB/s1600/20161206_092828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-77334892176020607632016-12-27T00:36:00.000+02:002016-12-27T00:36:13.941+02:00Merry Christmas from Australia We trust this post finds you all well and enjoying this special time of year. &nbsp;Our Christmas was very different for us in that we spent it not in Uganda or Scotland but in Australia. &nbsp;God was gracious in that we got to spend it with some "African" friends. &nbsp;Some we knew by name as they were in MAF Tanzania and Kenya and the other family, the Cousleys we had spent more than one Christmas with in Uganda as well as holidays together. &nbsp;We had a lot of fun talking about our African experiences and the kids had a blast reconnecting.<br /><br />It has been quite the month for us and are thankful we have made it through. &nbsp;After leaving Switzerland in November the race was on for Simon to pass his exams so we can proceed with paperwork for our more permanent visa. &nbsp;Thankfully, after many hours of study he passed both the flight and written exams. &nbsp;We give thanks for his diligence, patience and perseverance through it all.<br /><br />Whilst Simon was busy the kids and I kept searching for a house. &nbsp;We finally found one and we moved in last week. &nbsp;Our belongings from Uganda will hopefully arrive in January so at the moment we are camping in the house but it's working so far.<br /><br />Simon and the kids left Uganda with, what we believe now, was whooping cough. &nbsp;It was a rough time for them and it hasn't left simon completely yet. &nbsp;Joshua also managed to pick up an ear infection and also got bitten by something. &nbsp;So its Jurassic Park 2 - Joshua 0. &nbsp;He came out in a extremely itchy rash over his torso and his legs. &nbsp;The pharmacist knows us well now as we have tried a few potions to relieve some of the symptoms. Thankfully it is much better and he is sleeping through the night.<br /><br />Thanks to all of you who continue to keep us in your prayers. &nbsp;We are thankful for them. &nbsp;Don't stop :) We have seen God provide for some big needs in a short space of time and we are thankful beyond measure. <br /><br />I did promise folks I would post some photos but that might have to wait until we have Internet in the house. &nbsp;Don't worry I haven't forgotten.<br /><br />We will continue to keep you updated when we can. &nbsp;Much love and blessings from Down Under!Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-9469698274212678132016-12-16T11:53:00.000+02:002016-12-16T11:53:03.882+02:00Making ProgressIt has been three weeks since we moved to "Jurassic Park".&nbsp; It has been a sharp learning curve on various levels but we are making progress.&nbsp; We have two pieces of good news and answers to prayer in that Simon passed his written exams and we found a house.<br /><br />Simon has been studying hard for his exams and sat them on Wednesday.&nbsp; We haven't seen a lot of him in the last couple of weeks as he&nbsp;has been&nbsp;busy with his nose in the books.&nbsp; However, it has paid off and he passed his two papers on Wednesday so there was much rejoicing when he&nbsp;came home.&nbsp; He might be able to fit in the flight exam next week and then we can make progress with our visa status.&nbsp;&nbsp; We need to move to a&nbsp;different&nbsp;visa than&nbsp;then one&nbsp;we&nbsp;came in on&nbsp;and so the sooner the&nbsp;application goes in&nbsp;for the more permanent visa the&nbsp;better.<br /><br />While&nbsp;Simon has been busy studying and&nbsp;figuring stuff out&nbsp;at the flight school&nbsp;the kids&nbsp;and I have been running around&nbsp;Cairns and the surrounding areas navigating where&nbsp;things are and also looking for a house.&nbsp;&nbsp;We have&nbsp;seen some weird and&nbsp;wonderful ones but on Wednesday we went to visit&nbsp;a house not too far from the&nbsp;guesthouse&nbsp;and we all knew it was the one.&nbsp; I spent time filling in all the paperwork with&nbsp;Simon and put our application in for it.&nbsp; Thankfully it was accepted&nbsp;and the&nbsp;agent called us and said it was ours.&nbsp;&nbsp;God has answered our prayers beyond our imagination.&nbsp; The following day we picked up the rest of the paperwork and went through the finer details and also collected the keys.&nbsp;&nbsp;We will be living on minimal things until our container arrives from Uganda.&nbsp; It is scheduled to arrive in Brisbane on the 9th January&nbsp;where it will clear customs and then hope to see it in Cairns sometime after that.<br /><br />The kids and&nbsp;I went shopping for some of the basic&nbsp;items today to make it work for a&nbsp;month or so.&nbsp; We gave the house a bit of&nbsp;a clean although&nbsp;it didn't need much as it is in good condition.&nbsp; We had the&nbsp;fans going on in the house to get some air but we were all dripping by the time we left.&nbsp; Wow it was&nbsp;hot today.&nbsp; It is exciting to know that we will be moving into a more permanent place soon although the guesthouse has been a blessing to us.&nbsp; <br /><br />Thanks to all of you who have been praying for us, many of your prayers have been answered.&nbsp;&nbsp;It has been a busy time but we are looking forward to a bit of a rest over the Christmas period.<br /><br />Once I get a minute I will take some photos and put them on the blog. Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-57916446158537007942016-12-05T00:02:00.001+02:002016-12-05T00:02:55.827+02:00Jurassic ParkThis morning as I sit outside our door having breakfast overlooking the sugar cane fields I felt like I was in Jurassic Park. &nbsp; The noise of the birds was incredible and some of them are the size of China (okay that is an exaggeration) but you get the point. &nbsp;Not too far from me is a smaller version of a turkey scratching in the dirt. &nbsp; The colours of the birds are amazing. We have parrots in the tree not far from our room and cockatoos are readily flying around. The other day we had a spider outside our door. &nbsp;It was also the size of China (haha). Thankfully it was not of the poisonous variety. &nbsp;Then there are the rhino beetles that really do look like their namesake. <br /><br />In this part of the world the sun shines 360 days of the year and the temperature is the 30's every day. &nbsp;It is a bit warmer than Uganda but the humidity is higher. &nbsp;On some days it feels like the sun is out to get you (haha).<br /><br />Today Simon left early for Mareeba which is about 1 hour from here to study for his exams in 2 weeks. &nbsp;This is where he will be based when he starts his new job with MAF. I am sure he would value your prayers as he hits the books again.<br /><br />Last week we went on a tour round the school that Joshua and Zara will be joining in January. We had a good first impression of it with people being friendly and helpful and keen to help Joshua and Zara fit in.<br /><br />We have visited 2 churches since arriving and have enjoyed the friendliness that we found at each one. &nbsp;We will try out another one next week and then see where we settle.<br /><br />We are making progress in that we bought a car this past week and hope to pick it up this week. &nbsp;We opened up a bank account which was amazingly easy. &nbsp;We have also been driving around looking for houses. &nbsp;We will look at more this week. &nbsp;There is still a bit of confusion as to whether we can sign a contract on a house with the visa we are on so more investigation needs to be done on that.<br /><br />Thanks to all of you who have been praying for Simon, Joshua and Zara in the health department. &nbsp;They are doing much better and coughing less. &nbsp;The second round of antibiotics seem to be doing wonders. &nbsp;It has been a rough time for them but glad to see improvement.<br /><br />The kids and I are off to do some more exploring today so I am sure there will be more stories to tell soon.<br /><br />Thanks for praying for us in this new stage of life. &nbsp;It's definitely been a massive step to take but God continues to be faithful and we are thankful.Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-26338198791555069742016-11-29T22:35:00.000+02:002016-11-29T22:35:20.350+02:00In transitionThe last few months have been quite the whirlwind as we prepared to uproot from our home in Uganda and make a new one in Australia. &nbsp;I would love to have said it has been a easy process but that would be far from the truth. &nbsp;It has been a challenge in many respects but we also knew it was the right decision so we pressed forward.<br /><br />We left Uganda on the 8th November and flew to Doha, Qatar and then onto Switzerland to be with Simon's family for two weeks. &nbsp;Before we left Uganda Simon, Joshua and Zara had bad coughs. &nbsp;Joshua being the worst at that stage and any medication we gave him didn't seem to be shifting it. &nbsp;On our arrival in Switzerland the coughs got worse. &nbsp;Thankfully a friend of Simon's in Switzerland is a doctor and so he was able to check out Simon and the kids. &nbsp;He put it down to atypical pneumonia and put them all on an antibiotic. &nbsp;To cut a long story short they are still coughing but not quite so bad anymore. &nbsp;However, we have a MAF friend here in Australia who is also a doctor and she has put them on the antibiotic for another week to try and kill it once and for all. &nbsp;I think the moral of this story is to make sure you have friends who are doctors in different parts of the world (haha). &nbsp;We would appreciate prayers for health and strength to return.<br /><br />We did enjoy our time in Switzerland with Simon's family despite the health issues. &nbsp;The kids were able to see some snow and enjoy it for a bit which was a big request of Zara's. &nbsp;A friend of mine from Scotland, Sharon Hook, made a quick trip to Switzerland over a weekend to visit with us which was really special and we had a great time.<br /><br />After two weeks in Switzerland we embarked on our journey to Australia leaving one week ago today. &nbsp;We flew from Switzerland to Hong Kong and then onto Cairns. &nbsp;We are living in a guesthouse for the next couple of months until we get permanent visas sorted out and can locate a house. &nbsp;As I write this post I look out over sugar cane fields and rainforests with an ocean view in the far distance. &nbsp;It is quite the picture. &nbsp;We had a city view when we lived in Kampala and now we have a country view in Cairns. &nbsp;God knows we love a good view.<br /><br />This past week we have been running around getting orientated as to where the school that Joshua and Zara will be going to, looking at houses and cars and buying bikes. &nbsp;A big ask of the kids was that we would get bikes not too long after we arrived in Australia since we weren't taking their "Uganda" ones with us. &nbsp;Yesterday we had a bit of an induction in the MAF office to meet with different people and today we head to Mareeba where the flight base is to do the the same. &nbsp;Now to remember all the names!<br /><br />The nice thing about being in MAF for so long is that you meet a lot of people along the way. &nbsp;A few faces here are familiar due to meeting some of these folks when they have travelled through Uganda. This will definitely help us to settle in and get adjusted. &nbsp;Thanks to those who have been very practical in helping us, we are grateful.<br /><br />One thing &nbsp;we need to get used to is that the sun comes up early around 5am. &nbsp;Combine that with jetlag and 3am seems like a normal time to start the day. &nbsp;Thankfully in the last couple of days we are now sleeping longer although it is difficult for me to stay awake past 7pm at night. &nbsp;All takes time to adjust and there are many thing to adjust to including high temperatures and high humidity. &nbsp;Although some of you in Europe might be glad of a bit of heat right now.<br /><br />I will keep you updated as time goes on but will leave it for now. &nbsp;Please do pray for Simon and the kids to recover from this coughing. &nbsp;Pray that we learn to slowly adjust to our new home and settle in time. &nbsp;Thanks xSimon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-75805413182550326672016-11-01T11:34:00.001+02:002016-11-01T11:34:19.631+02:00On the move.....finally!We have delayed in writing an email regarding our progress with our move to Australia as it has all been up in the air up until yesterday. &nbsp;Just last Friday there was a chance that we would have had to wait another few months in Uganda due to visa issues. &nbsp;However, God worked it out and we now plan to leave next week. &nbsp;It is all going very fast now. &nbsp;The packing company come in on Thursday to pick up our belongings that will be shipped to Australia.<br /><br />Simon and I have been busy pulling the house apart the last few months. &nbsp;It is amazing what you collect over a 15 year period despite doing clear outs once in while. &nbsp;However, thankfully we had the presence of mind to start early so that we didn't have to do it all at the one time. &nbsp;It has been a gradual process.<br /><br />Our plan is to head to Switzerland next week for two weeks before heading down to Australia. We are looking forward to seeing family again as well as Simon's Dad's&nbsp;<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">fiancée</span></span>&nbsp;to be who we haven't met yet. <br /><br />We would value your prayers as we say our final goodbyes. &nbsp;It still hasn't sunk in that we are leaving Uganda for good just feels like a furlough year. &nbsp;However, I am sure that will sink in soon enough. Pray for Joshua as he has a chest infection and not getting enough sleep because of it and Zara starting coughing this morning. &nbsp;We have all had our exit medicals to check for parasites etc. &nbsp;Simon and Zara were the only ones that tested positive and took some medicine for them. &nbsp;Joshua and I were bug free :) &nbsp;However, do pray for good health to return to Joshua and Zara.<br /><br />We will keep you updated as and when we have a date for leaving. &nbsp;Thanks for lifting us up in prayer we appreciate it. &nbsp;The title of our sermon series at church is "Pray First". &nbsp;Definitely been a good reminder during these days. &nbsp;If you are interested check it out at .http://www.freedomchurch.cc/<br /><br />Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-578057110685595556.post-19922834456044453482016-10-20T06:54:00.002+02:002016-10-20T06:54:15.595+02:00Zara in the swimming gala<div style="text-align: center;">Zara loves to swim and here she is in action at the school's swimming gala.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1sIIlb8rHO0/WAhNp9SJFWI/AAAAAAAAC6w/1HdlaunkyBgbjL5mnG8x_CZ_hm2i7mEpQCLcB/s1600/Zara%2Bwaiting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1sIIlb8rHO0/WAhNp9SJFWI/AAAAAAAAC6w/1HdlaunkyBgbjL5mnG8x_CZ_hm2i7mEpQCLcB/s640/Zara%2Bwaiting.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mKycMh8bDaQ/WAhNpxs5MUI/AAAAAAAAC60/C0KF4YvQC380i28C7JBCziVjUjRs55cuACLcB/s1600/Zara%2Bswimming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mKycMh8bDaQ/WAhNpxs5MUI/AAAAAAAAC60/C0KF4YvQC380i28C7JBCziVjUjRs55cuACLcB/s640/Zara%2Bswimming.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span id="goog_96397224"></span><span id="goog_96397225"></span>Photos courtesy of Nadia Dick</span>Simon and Pam Wunderlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14639319276069975893noreply@blogger.com0